Gilbert Dean Eskridge

Gilbert Dean Eskridge, age 83, of Cove, died September 6, 2005 at his home. There will be no public services held. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Dean Eskridge was born on December 2, 1921, the son of Lowell Maxwell and Grace (Dean) Eskridge in Hailey, Idaho. When Dean was eleven, he and his brothers started a band and played for community events. After graduating from high school, Dean met and married Geneva Packham on June 1, 1941 in Carey, Idaho. Together the couple moved to Portland, Oregon where Dean worked in the Portland ship yards. He later enlisted in the United States Army and served his country during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge he went to work for the State of Idaho as a heavy equipment operator where he plowed snow and built roads. He later worked as the Assessor for Camas County, Idaho before starting his own laboratory as an analytical chemist. He operated the lab that tested a verity of different kinds of metals for fifteen years until his retirement. Together the couple later moved to Cove in 2002. Dean was a past member of the American Legion and the Odd Fellows. He enjoyed, flying which included helping to fly food to people in areas that were not accessible during the winter, hunting, fishing, boating and prospecting in the mountains.

Survivors include his wife, Geneva of Cove; children and their spouses, Kenneth Wayne and Rosemary Eskridge of Boise, Idaho, Joan and Mannie Carter of Salem, Oregon, Thomas Dean and Linda Eskridge of Molalla, Oregon and Debra and Michael Otterstein of Cove, Oregon; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister Blanche Ruby of Gooding, Idaho and other relatives and friends. His parents, brothers and sisters, Clyde Eskridge, Robert Eskridge, Harry Eskridge, Clay Eskridge, Roy Eskridge, Wesley Eskridge, Pearl Noel and Bonnie Undie all preceded him in death.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Dean Eskridge to the Cancer Research fund or the American Red Cross in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.